Three Yoga Poses with Guided Imagery to Reduce Holiday Stress

It is no wonder people get sick, feel depressed, gain weight or have little energy throughout the holiday season. A change in your diet and exercise program, plus frenzied trips to the shopping mall can zap your vitality and well being faster than you can say, “Happy holidays.”

It is important to take care of yourself in order to maintain your health (and sanity) through this busy time of year. Eating right, exercising and getting enough rest are the obvious ways to combat stress. In addition, adding a few moments in your day to have absolutely no agenda other than to relax and practice the following gentle yoga poses will be an added bonus to further help you reduce holiday stress.

Seated Meditation

Sit comfortably away from distractions such as the television or the computer. Close your eyes and begin to deepen your breath. In your mind’s eye, visualize a cloudless blue sky. Focus on this image. Let your mind be like the blue sky, clear and expansive. For the next few moments, forget about your holiday shopping list and enjoy some inner clarity and peace of mind. Practice this meditation as often as needed. A little bit goes a long way.

Child’s Pose

Feel the restorative quality of this pose take effect immediately. Let your errands and chores take a back seat for now. Feel the burden of stress lifting off your back. Release the need to think about what you need to be doing or where you need to be going for your holiday party plans. Allow yourself to feel grounded, secure and self-assured. Believe you will skate effortlessly through the end of the year, stress free and totally healthy.

Reclined Bound Angle Pose

Lie down on your back and simply relax. Let one hand rest on your belly and the other rest on your chest so you can feel yourself breathe and your heart beat. Enjoy what it feels like to be alive and well. For just a few short minutes, breathe deeply and focus on the sweet sound of your breath. Trust that there is nothing to worry about. You will get everything done, you will maintain a clear head and you will be well rested for the New Year ahead.

Jill Lawson has been a fitness professional for 20 years, and has concentrated on yoga for more than 10 years. She has a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and a master's in physical education. This yogi lives in Southwest Colorado where she teaches yoga and Pilates.

The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice, doctors visit or treatment. The provided content on this site should serve, at most, as a companion to a professional consult. It should under no circumstance replace the advice of your primary care provider. You should always consult your primary care physician prior to starting any new fitness, nutrition or weight loss regime.